Remembering Hamilton neighbors: Recent obituaries

VICTOR — Helen Marie Roberts, 80, died peacefully on Sept. 4, 2019, at her home in Victor, Montana. She was surrounded by her children, David and Debbie, and longtime friend, Jim Carey.

She is preceded in death by her late husband Kenny Roberts, her mother Stella Lowe and father Richard Carlson.

She is survived by her son, David Kittel (Ellen) of Victor; daughter, Debbie Rowland (Scott) of Missoula; Stepsons, Darrell Roberts (Linda) of Newport, Oregon and Jim Roberts (Kim) of Seattle, Washington.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Bitterroot Church of the Nazarene on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, at 10 a.m. Burial will take place at the Victor Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the Bitterroot Church of the Nazarene Neeley Center. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Donations may be made to Victor Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance, Bitterroot Church of the Nazarene or Bitterroot Humane Association in honor of Helen Roberts.

Bonnie was born Jan. 17, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, to Russell and Lillian Smith. Bonnie was married to Lenard “Earl” Murray for 43 years. She worked for the Napa Valley Unified School District for over 35 years and was loved by all of the kids that she mentored.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at 1 p.m., at the Big Sky Baptist Church, 201 S. 4th St., Hamilton. Interment will follow at the Riverview Cemetery. A reception will follow the interment at the Sapphire Lutheran Homes. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

STEVENSVILLE — Jacquie Lyons passed away on Aug. 17, 2019, after an experience with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones, at her home in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. She was 80 years old.

Jacqueline Lou Russell was born on Feb. 9, 1939, in Sioux City, Iowa. She grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Jacquie moved to California in 1957 where she attended Chaffey College. There she met her first husband.

She began her elementary teaching career as Mrs. Pitcher in 1970 at Walnut Avenue Elementary and later Cattle Elementary, both in Chino California. In 1978, she met and married her beloved Ken Lyons. She taught as Mrs. Lyons until she retired in 1997. Throughout her teaching career, she earned the respect of her colleagues and the love of her many students.

After retirement in 1997, she and Ken moved to Stevensville.

Jacquie loved many things deeply and most of all her family, dear friends and her spiritual path that led her on a life journey filled with positivity and service. She was a spiritual mentor to many and she was dedicated to her “Wisdom Seekers” group. At her passing, she was the longest serving volunteer at Pantry Partners in Stevensville. In 2018 she was named Stevensville Volunteer of the Year and got to ride in a ‘54 Oldsmobile convertible in the Creamery Picnic Parade.

Jacquie was a voracious reader and loved all genres. She was a particular fan of multi-book, multi-generation sagas. She won ribbons and blessed friends and family with her beautiful crocheted afghans and projects. She was always extremely interested and knowledgeable about all that was going on in the world and was never hesitant to try new technology. For most of her life, she utilized her stunning voice to sing solos.

A celebration of her life will be held in the summer of 2020. Family and friends will be notified. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jacquie’s name to Stevensville Pantry Partners Food Bank, 3614 Alc Way, Stevensville, MT 59870, or the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Jacquie, we know that you are now singing with the angels! Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

MISSOULA — Leora A. “Lee” Welch, 100, passed away in the night, Sunday, Sept. 1, at BeeHive Homes of Missoula. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory are honored to care for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.